New York County Clerk: Business Division - New York, NY

New York County Clerk: Business Filings

DBA and Partnership Registration

The Business Division of the New York County Clerk's Office is located in the basement of the New York State Supreme Court Building at 60 Centre Street (Room 109B). This office is the primary authority for registering Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships located within the borough of Manhattan (New York County). Individuals conducting business under a name other than their own legal name must file a Business Certificate, commonly known as a ”Doing Business As” (DBA) or trade name certificate, at this location.

Filing Requirements and Limitations

It is crucial to understand the jurisdiction of this office. The County Clerk only handles filings for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Corporations (Inc.), Limited Liability Companies (LLC), and Limited Partnerships (LP) must file directly with the New York State Department of State in Albany; these entities cannot be registered at the County Clerk's office. Before filing a DBA, applicants must search the index of existing business names (available in the office) to ensure their desired name is not already in use. The forms required (Form X-201 for Sole Proprietorships, Form X-74 for Partnerships) are typically available for purchase at legal stationery stores or the newsstand in the courthouse lobby.

• Business Certificate (DBA) Filing
• General Partnership Registration
• Amendments and Discontinuances
• Certified Copies of Business Records

Fees and Payment

Filing fees at the County Clerk's office are strictly regulated. The standard fee for filing a Business Certificate is $100, with an additional fee for certified copies (usually $10 each), which are often required by banks to open business accounts. Important: This office does not accept personal or business checks. Payment must be made via cash, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Money orders may also be accepted, but credit card or cash is most reliable for immediate processing.

Visiting the Courthouse

Visitors must enter the Supreme Court Building at 60 Centre Street and undergo strict airport-style security screening. Mobile phones are generally permitted but must be used discreetly. The Business Division is located in the basement (Room 109B). While the building is open during standard court hours, the cashier windows for paying fees may close earlier than the general office (often by 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM), so early arrival is highly recommended to ensure same-day service.